2021 Year in Review: Ken Follett, Kalam U.S.

Name: Ken Follett

Job Title: USA Country Manager

Company Name: Kalam U.S.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2021?
2021 was the first year of U.S. operations of Kalam, a Spain-based leading global historic preservation firm. Internationally, Kalam has been entrusted with restoring more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Likewise, Kalam’s first year in the U.S. has been highly successful and resulted in winning several significant projects that called for preservation expertise. These included the reconstruction of the five-story historic Frederick Duckloe & Bros. building in Portland, PA; technical consulting for a team planning the restoration of the 18^th century Fortress of San Jerónimo del Boquerón in San Juan, PR; and a series of smaller specialized preservation projects in New York City such as exterior envelope and window restorations of historic townhouses in Brooklyn, NY.

What are your predictions for your industry in 2022?
The increasing operational and regulatory focus on improving building energy efficiency will provide continuous opportunities for AEC firms. Kalam is currently advising numerous architects, engineers, real estate owners, and property managers on how to incorporate the latest efficiency and safety technologies into historic structures without undermining their landmark status and aesthetics. This includes exterior envelope and window improvements, new MEP systems, and building management systems. New York City’s latest energy efficiency and building safety regulations, such as the Local Law 97 and the Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), will accelerate this process.